Despite being the homeland of the two main Dravidian parties, Tamil Nadu has been the battle ground for coalitions led by the DMK and the AIADMK. Since 1977, when the AIADMK emerged as a major player, either of the parties has gone solo only once in the Lok Sabha election. This happened when the AIADMK, headed by the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, put up its nominees in 40 constituencies, including Puducherry, in 2014. On all other occasions, both parties struck a deal with smaller parties. The situation is no different this time. However, what is new is that the BJP is leading a front comprising the PMK, the Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) (TMC (M)), and the AMMK.
Bereft of alliance
A look at the Lok Sabha elections since 1952 reveals that the first three elections — held in 1952, 1957, and 1962 — were generally bereft of pre-poll alliances. The Congress was the dominant force. Under the leadership of K. Kamaraj who was the Chief Minister during 1954-1962, the party did not feel the need for any alliance. But his opponents, including C. Rajagopalachari or Rajaji, felt the importance of an alliance. The DMK-led front in the 1967 election was the first successful case study for the Index of Opposition Unity. Apart from Rajaji’s Swatantra Party, it included the CPI(M) and the Muslim League.
